Thursday, December 03, 2015

While Passing Through Montgomery





Stuart Pooley lives in Badgad, FL. He enjoys writing some poetry and is often penning memories of his time with some of our local county music legends. The video here is Higway 182 going West at Sunset in November, 2015. Here is a link to a playlist of Stuarts poems and his museum.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Buddy - A Dog

This poem about Buddy, the dog, is from the pen and voice of James Doyle Moore of Jay, Florida. We have many good writers in our region. Many are sharing their works about remembrances at the FB page for The Jay Historical Society - and the Jay Museum.

Friday, November 06, 2015

A Blog You Will Enjoy

A Few Good Men

Samuel Peacock II was my 5th Great Grandfather. He was a soldier in the Militia for North Carolina. I have had soldiers in this country since it began and beyond in England all the way back to Jerusalem. There is a long lineage of service to our country, and its people in my family.

There is a very cute story about Samuel and General George Washington who wanted to pass his toll bridge free of charge. Samuel told him he would have to pay like anyone else. That guy had something I tell ya!

Here is the rest of the story for a lazy start to your morning, and I hope that you enjoy the look back at some of the men in my family that have helped keep us free!    CONTINUE THIS STORY AT MUSINGS WITH KIMMEE ....
More about Gloria Peacock Kimmell at her facebook page.
Her Facebook Page

Tuesday, November 03, 2015

A News Report from Chumuckla

A brief visit with the legendary Davis Family in Chumuckla leads to a treasure of history and otherwise random information. !  See the Blog -- IN COUNTRY with UNCLE VIC

Mr. Edward “Eddie” Ray Savant, 70

Edward “Eddie” Ray Savant October 23, 2015 Mr. Edward “Eddie” Ray Savant, 70, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2015, in Pensacola. Mr. Savant was a native of Chumuckla and a resident of Santa Rosa County most of his life. Mr. Savant was a member of the Brownsdale Baptist Church. Mr. Savant is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Dianna Savant and two brothers, Robert Jr. and Jimmy Savant. Mr. Savant is survived by his church family. Funeral services were held Friday, October 23, 2015, at the Brownsdale Baptist Church with Bro. Jeff Leake officiating. Burial was at the Traveler’s Rest Cemetery. Pallbearers will be the men of the church. Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.

Ode to Billie Joe

https://landingaday.wordpress.com/author/graywacke/

Have I ever told you how much I enjoy reading this blog. A LANDING DAY? The writer randomly land in a Google map somewhwere in America and begins too fill us in on a whole description of the place. Fascinating.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Jackie Salter. 1951 - 2015


Jackie Duncan Salter Obituary
Date of Birth:
Tuesday, January 2nd, 1951
Date of Death:
Thursday, October 8th, 2015
Funeral Home:
Lewis Funeral Home
www.lewisfuneralhomes.net
6405 Highway 90 West
Milton, Florida, UNITED STATES
32570
Obituary:
Jackie was born January 2, 1951, in Century, Florida, to the late John "JD" and Ruth Wynell Hayes Salter.
He played basketball in school and graduated from Chumuckla High School in 1969. He graduated from Jeff Davis Community College in 1971 with an AA degree. He began working for the Florida Department of Transportation in 1972, and retired in 2005 after 33 years of service. Jackie and his family are devoted Auburn Tiger fans. He loved to fish and hunt with his children and brothers. Jackie enjoyed raising cows, hogs, and working on the family farm. Jackie was a loving and caring provider for his wife and children. His daughter and his grandchildren were his heart.
Jackie is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Martin Salter and Dan Salter; sister-in-law, Martha Salter; and a son-in-law, Terry "TJ" Gore Jr.
Jackie is survived by his loving and devoted wife , Mary Jane Salter; two children, Tabatha Salter Gore and Wesley Salter; daughter-in-law, Carlyn Salter and ex-son-in-law, Darin Dawson; all of Chumuckla. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jacklyn, Weston, and Brooklyn Salter, of Jay; and Brianna Stewart of Milton; his "claimed grandchildren," Alexis Adrienne, Arielle (Patrick) Patterson of Milton, and Ethan Harris and Kennedy Salter of Jay; niece, Angie (Mike) Pennell; two nephews, Jerod Salter and Joel (Stephanie) Salter; aunts, Grace (Charles) Carnley of Jay, Ollie Joe (Charles) Williams of Georgianna, Alabama, and Betty McMillan of Pace; a special cousin, Gail (Bill) Allred; and an extended list of family members.
Visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Friday, October 16, 2015, at Lewis Funeral Home, Milton.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 17, 2015, at Lewis Funeral Home, Milton Chapel, with Bro. Larry Pearson, Bobby Carnley, and Mark Stuart officiating. Lewis Funeral Home, Milton, has been entrusted with arrangements.
The Salter family expresses sincere thanks and gratitude to the nurses at Jay Hospital, Sacred Heart Hospital, Baptist Hospital and West Florida Hospital; Dr. C. David Smith and staff, Dr. Ronnie Wyl

Thomas Roger Reynolds 1943-2015

Tom Reynolds of the Chumuckla community died Friday afternoon October 9, 2015 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Tom was born in Samson, Alabama. He moved to the Chumuckla community in 1956. Tom proudly served his country with the Air Force during the Vietnam war. Following his time in service, he lived in Colorado Springs and then returned to his beloved Chumuckla community where he worked off-shore before becoming an over-the-road truck driver. He also became the biggest fan of the sports programs in the area. He was proceeded in death by his father, Louie Reynolds. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jeanette Reynolds and his mother, Loveda Reynolds. Tom leaves behind 2 sons Jim Reynolds, Brian Reynolds (Michelle); 1 step-son Scott Holmes (Molly); and 7 grand-children Danielle, Lindsay,Timothy, Paul, Hannah, Alex and Brendan. Visitation for family and friends will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, Oct 13, 2015 at Chumuckla Community Church with a Celebration Service following at 11:00 am. “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation UNDER GOD, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”


Monday, October 19, 2015

Cotton Harvest in Chumuckla, Florida


The industrial intensity of harvest season is always something to marvel at if you are a part of the process or just an observer.

Wednesday, October 07, 2015

Your Peanut at Work



Tiger Godwin explains the peanut harvest to Chumuckla.com.  Peanut and Cotton crops are ready by October and November depending on the planting dates and time to maturity for a given variety.


Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Mildred Golden Simmons Salter, 84

Mildred Golden Simmons Salter, 84, of Chumuckla, Florida, passed away Saturday, September 19, 2015. Mildred was born in Jay, Florida. She graduated from Chumuckla High School and was a member of Chumuckla Community Church. Mildred was a native of Santa Rosa County her entire life. She was preceded in death by parents, Porter C. Simmons and Verla Maebelle D. Simmons; and spouse, Thomas D. Salter, Jr. She is survived by her five children; Thomas D. Salter, III, Pamela A. Salter, Judy Renee Salter, Lewis M. Salter (Lynda), Deborah S. Crews (Ricky), grandchildren; Stephen A. Diamond, Christina Y. Cross, Alyssa Ivey Crews, James Balk, Sylvia Balk, Shelby Balk, great-grandchildren; Robert Cross, Gavin Cross, Ethan Diamond, Owen Thomas Diamond, Noah Diamond, Colt Cross, sister; Lillian (Polly) Spears, and brother; Mason Simmons (Ruby), many sister and brother-in-laws, nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held at 12 noon, Wednesday, September 23, 2015, at Lewis Funeral Home, Pace Chapel, with Pastor Tom Sharon officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., prior to the service. Interment will follow services at Elizabeth Chapel Community Cemetery, Chumuckla. Stephen A. Diamond, Marty Griswold, Alan Miller, Terry Spears, Bill Enfinger, and Rusty Enfinger will serve as pallbearers. The family would like to thank Dr. C. David Smith and his excellent staff for many years of extremely good care of our mother. We would also like to extend a special thank you to the Circle of Love group from the church for the many visits, prayers, and special gifts.

Monday, September 14, 2015

Senior Meals at Community Center

Every weekday aat 11am at the Community Center across from the school. There is a ONE DOLLAR fee. That is it.  Lots of local seniors show up there and enjoy a nice meal and some neighborly talk. The program is run by the county.  I am pretty sure you do NOT have to be 65.  The  website explains the center is open from 9am to Noon.   CLICK HERE for COUNTY Program.  Check out more links and a calendar of events at www.chumuckla.com.


Sunday, June 14, 2015

Find a Pantry or Soup Kitchen -

Find a Pantry or Soup Kitchen -



This is something people should know about.  There are often people going short of food or money for only a few weeks before things get better. Or longer.  This can help a lot.



An easy location for pickup in our Chumuckla area is at Pineview in Allentown.

...

Pineview United Methodist Church 5.9 miles
1400 Pineview Church RoadJay, FL 32565(850)623-4289

Santa Rosa County, FL - Parks and Recreation

Santa Rosa County, FL - Parks and Recreation




Thursday, May 21, 2015

Jim Bruce Grant, Jr, 59

Jim Bruce Grant, Jr. Jim Bruce Grant, Jr, 59, a native of Gulf Breeze, FL, and resident of Autaugaville, AL, died peacefully on May 20 surrounded by his family at home after a short illness. An Eagle Scout in his high school years, Jim went on to earn a BS and LL.M. from The University of Florida, as well as a Juris Doctor from The University of Alabama. Jim practiced law with Capell and Howard in Montgomery, AL, for many years. Jim served selflessly and heroically in the U.S. Army for over 16 years. He served the nation in both the Florida Army National Guard and the Alabama Army National Guard. In 2004, Jim began serving his country with his law degree as a Judge Advocate General with the 62nd Troop Command in Montgomery, AL. Jim served three tours of duty: 2 to Afghanistan as Military Intelligence Advisor, 1 to Iraq as Staff Judge Advocate with the 1st Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group. Jim earned numerous medals and awards for his service. Jim is survived by his wife Jennifer; his daughter Amanda Grant Brooks (Scott Brooks) of Andalusia, AL; his daughter Dr. Alicen Grant-Rubinstein (Paul Rubinstein) of Prattville, AL; his sister Janie Grant Gaylard (Melvin Gaylard) of Cantonment, FL; his sister Diane Grant Dodge (Joe Dodge) of Acworth, GA; his grandson George Corbitt Brooks of Andalusia, AL; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Bruce and Ruby Jane Grant. A memorial service will be conducted Friday, May 22, at 2 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church in Montgomery, AL, by Rev. Robert Wisnewski. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A military graveside service will be held Monday, May 25, at 2 p.m. at Elizabeth Chapel Community Cemetery, 9475 Chumuckla Hwy, Jay, FL 32565. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials in Jim's name to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758541, Topeka, KS 66675, or to Boy Scouts of America, 3067 Carter Hill Rd, Montgomery, AL 36111. Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits . Published in Pensacola News Journal on May 22, 2015 - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/pensacolanewsjournal/obituary.aspx?pid=174903278#sthash.qDRh4mlL.dpuf

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

THE ARCH At the Elementary School

by Chuck Cook .. THE SYMBOLISM In Arches


...........................................................................................



You will want to click the link above to read a nicely done treatise on "The Symbolism of The Arch" -- especially the arch at our Chumuckla School. The links in the article are substantive and should be followed as you progress through the article itself. Enjoy ! Thanks to Chuck for this superb study.

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Crockett in the Creek Wars





Filmed by Trish Wariner - Dr. Brian Rucker talks to the Genealogical Society of Santa Rosa County about the exploits of David Crockett in our area about 200 years ago.  The Massacre at Fort Mims and the ensuing CREEK Indian War are all part of the heritage here.  Links to support this video are:  FORT MIMS ,  MAP of EVENTS Talked About Here,  Rucker at Chumuckla Springs,  Genealogical Society of Santa Rosa County,  Militaman Ghost Tells of Fort Mims,  Learning abou Fort Mims, 1813-200th Anniversary, FACEBOOK - The Historic David Crockett

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Genealogy for Santa Rosa County

The Genealogical Society of Santa Rosa County has monthly meetings at the Milton Library.  There is a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/gssrc/ .

The Genealogical Society of Santa Rosa County meets the third Saturday of the month at 10 am at the Milton Public Library, 5541 Alabama St., Milton FL. Meetings are open to the public. Those wishing to join, dues are $15 a year. (Guests are welcome at every meeting)
.....
The March 2015 Meeting was a presentation by LL Scott who volunteers with the Family Research Center in Pensacola. More of her presentation will be made available later but for now - here are some sites she recommends for research.
REFERENCE PAGE FOR GENEAOLOGY RESEARCH


Cheryl Nugent, LL Scott, Patricia Wariner(Pres)
 

Friday, March 27, 2015

Tom Reynolds Fundraiser

Photos and story here:  FISH FRY

If Perfectly Agreeable - Book by Anne Sims

CHILI HINT IS AT END OF POST

There are many regional authors that touch on Chumuckla.  Anne Stanton Sims is a writer who descended from people who lived at Coon Hill in the 1870's-1890's.  In her book,  "IF PERFECTLY AGREEABLE" she revives the letters between two who courted by way of letters and a ferry  across the river to McDavid.  


Posted at IN COUNTRY with UNCLE VIC

Both communities were hotbeds of commerce - Coon Hill and McDavid.  Today, both are quiet remote backwaters.  Coon Hill, as most know, is the seed community of Chumuckla ... gradually clawing its way to the current position as the tree harvest edged South.  So, Coon Hill is about 6 miles almost Northwest of the Current Chumuckla School.  

COON HILL PHOTOS

(always ask permission to go there.  Family members are always happy to provide at daytime tour - Trespassers will be prosecuted)

HINT THREE -- THE CHILI SECRET INGREDIENT
ALRIGHT --  
Next ingredient is
1-2 tablespoons of  dried granulated garlic powder ... 
Use a pack of McCormicks Chili Season Package. (half a pack to the whole thing - your choice)

CHECK out our TEESPRING Chumuckla Heritage Store and see if you can find a TeeShirt or mug or something that you love. 
Those sales will provide profit toward the scholarship funds for MS Marilyn's Little Olives.  Scholarship checks will be given to Ms. Marilyn's Little Olives who are in college now.
THE NEXT LINK TOWARD THE SECRET INGREDIENT IS

The LAST post of course will include the 
SECRET INGREDIENT !    Help this move along. 
See the store link below. Share the link to start the
scavenger hunt.  12ponder.com

CHUMUCKLA HERITAGE STORE at TEESPRING

Here are some items you will find there. There are more. One my favorites is the poster of the 1912 Advertisement to attract tourists to the Chumuckla Springs Hotel !




A BOOK REVIEW of "Perfectly Agreeable"

(by Vic Campbell)
A RIVER RUNS BETWEEN THEM.  Two young people find a spark of interest. But their stoic lives in pioneer Florida require only the most formal of exchanges - as they meet and correspond with each other all dependent on the level of the river and the seasons of the year.  Letters begin to flow back and forth from one side of the river and back.  Church visits in public were a start. Then after church family dinners.  

TO arrange these social suarez -  The letters from the Village of McMillan - only four miles distant by river crossing,  were always signed "If it is perfectly agreeable" . And answered - that it was "indeed agreeable.  

This is not a fictitious love story. It is an actual exchange of letters that were written with fine hands tuned to the language, with all courtesies and flourish.  It was a love story taking place in pioneer villages, where times were in reconstruction - and the  19th century industrial age was in full swing for the main industry of logging for the region.  

The letters color in the activities of communities near the turn of the century and warm the heart to a more civil  and genteel age.   For the people in the area - there are many genealogical webs woven as this love story shapes up and moves into a married life in the early 1900's.   The graves rest in a backwater cemetery - cared for by loving descendents over the following century and more.  

One of the towns no longer exits with only the cemetery to indicate it once did teem with life.   The other town - across the river - rose to prominence and then faded to a small sustaining village of bedrooms and small farms supporting the main city to the South - Pensacola.   

McDavid and Coon Hill . Villages in History. And a moment in time - preserved in these jewels of letters.  Read the book.  Step back in time.  

https://www.zillow.com/daphne-al/loma-alta-towers_att/     down by the river

Friday, March 20, 2015

Hazel Hunsucker 1928 - 2015

Hazel Helzia Kell Hunsucker was born July 6, 1928 in Pensacola, Florida, and passed away Sunday, March 15, 2015. 

She lived a good life, loved her family, and fought a good fight against cancer. She enjoyed studying, preparing for and teaching her Bible study and Sunday school classes, cooking favorites for each family member, and encouraging and helping others "be the best they could be." 

She was the daughter of the late Cora and Roy Kell. Hazel was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Julian Woodrow "Woody" Hunsucker. 

Hazel was a teacher and counselor for the Santa Rosa County School System for over 20 years. She taught special education classes, and after earning her Master's Degree from the University of West Florida in Counseling, became a counselor at Berryhill Elementary School, where she retired. 

She is survived by her son Wayne, and his wife Pat, of Augusta, Georgia; Rick and his wife Marian, of Chumuckla, Florida; and Randy and his wife Susan, of Pensacola, Florida; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. 

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 20, 2015, at First Baptist Church of Milton with Dr. Wayne Hunsucker and Dr. David Spencer officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., prior to the service. Lewis Funeral Home, Milton, has been entrusted with arrangements. 

Her grandsons, Scott, Jason, Chad, Justin and Greg Hunsucker, Andy Bell, and Ryan Whitwell, will serve as pallbearers. 

The family requests that memorial contributions be made in her memory to the ministry of your choice at First Baptist Church (6797 Caroline Street, Milton, Florida, 32570) 

Thursday, March 05, 2015

Arthur Edward "Hacky" Rutherford

Arthur Edward "Hacky" Rutherford of Pace, Florida, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 28, 2015, at the age of 88, leaving behind a family who loved and cherished him dearly. He attended Chumuckla School; and worked many years with Salter’s Construction Company. He found great joy in taking care of his farm animals and fishing. Arthur is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Ethel Rolena Rutherford; sons, Jimmie Rutherford, Seaborn (Sylvia) Rutherford, Earl Rutherford, Alton (Karen) Rutherford, and Steve (Teresa) Rutherford, of Pace; daughters, Joyce (Frank) Kolb of Pace, and Audrey (Lamar) Brown of Andalusia, Alabama; 22 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Seaborn and Susie Rutherford; sisters, Lorene McCall and Faye Melvin, of Pace; son, Arthur Dennis Rutherford; and granddaughter, Debra Elaine Cotton. Arthur’s grandsons will be the pallbearers. Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Friday, March 6, 2015, at Lewis Funeral Home, Milton Chapel, with Rev. Frederick Barrow officiating. Burial will follow in Elizabeth Chapel Community Cemetery, Chumuckla, Florida. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., prior to the service. The family would like to thank everyone for their kind words, thoughts and prayers during this time.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Curtis Jefferson Nixon (1929 - 2014)

Curtis Jefferson Nixon"CJ"1-30-1929 ~ 11-16-2014Curtis J. Nixon was born on January 30, 1929 to Rufus and Josephine Nixon in Holmes County, Mississippi, the 14th of 18 children. He departed this temporary earthly home to begin his eternal life in heaven on November 16, 2014 at the age of 85. Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Curtis Wayne Nixon, Pensacola, FL and Larry Richard Nixon, Pace, FL; his daughter, Melanie (Ralph) Mears, Pace, FL; as well as several grandchildren and great grandchildren; special friends, Brenda and Richard Grinder, Chumuckla, FL.CJ was an exceptional hunter. His friends gave him the nickname "the great white hunter" because of his love for raccoon hunting. In his lifetime, he raised many exceptional award winning coon dogs. CJ also loved fishing and gardening. He always grew the largest and best vegetables which he enjoyed sharing with friends and family. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.As a proud former Marine, services for CJ will be held on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 1:15 at Barrancas National Cemetery. Family-Funeral & Cremation has been entrusted with arrangements.

Hoover Harris

Funeral Arrangement: Hoover Harris of Chumuckla Passed away last night around 10pm, 1-11-15. Visitation will be Wednesday 1-13-15 at 11am to 12 noon ay Jays funeral home. funeral to follow at 12 noon, burial will be at Ardfield cemetery in Chumuckla. Click on link below for direction. http://www.jayfh.com/fh/facilities/facilities_address.cfm…Funeral Arrangement: Hoover Harris of Chumuckla Passed away last night around 10pm, 1-11-15. Visitation will be Wednesday 1-13-15 at 11am to 12 noon ay Jays funeral home. funeral to follow at 12 noon, burial will be at Ardfield cemetery in Chumuckla. Click on link below for direction. http://www.jayfh.com/fh/facilities/facilities_address.cfm…Funeral Arrangement: Hoover Harris of Chumuckla Passed away last night around 10pm, 1-11-15. Visitation will be Wednesday 1-13-15 at 11am to 12 noon ay Jays funeral home. funeral to follow at 12 noon, burial will be at Ardfield cemetery in Chumuckla. Click on link below for direction. http://www.jayfh.com/fh/facilities/facilities_address.cfm…

Thursday, January 08, 2015

Shirley ALLEN McDaniel

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/srpressgazette/obituary.aspx?n=Shirley-McDaniel-Allen&pid=173734147

Shirley (Allen) McDaniel

Obituary

Shirley Allen McDaniel, 83, of Milton, died January 1, 2015. Mrs. McDaniel was born in Jacksonville, Florida, to Ray Franklin Allen, Sr, and Madeline Michette Allen. Shirley and her husband, the late J. V. McDaniel, moved around for a number of years, then returned to Santa Rosa County and their families in 1987.

Shirley's great-grandfather was Jesse Carter Allen, one of the early settlers of Santa Rosa County and the territory's first sheriff. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her two sisters, Madeline and Laurel, and her two brothers, Ray, Jr and Alex. 

She taught school for a number of years and was a long-time member of the Presbyterian Church. 

She is survived by a number of nieces and nephews; and her very special friend and caregiver, Tina Beedle.

Funeral Services will be held at 12 noon, Monday, January 5, 2015, at Lewis Funeral Home, Milton Chapel. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., prior to the service. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates memorial gifts given to the Westminster Presbyterian Church, Milton, or another charitable organization, of your choice, in her memory.
Funeral Home
Lewis Funeral Home
6405 Highway 90 MiltonFL 32570
(850) 623-2243
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/srpressgazette/obituary.aspx?n=Shirley-McDaniel-Allen&pid=173734147#sthash.4JgBY0N2.dpuf

CROCKETT NOTES - Google Docs

CROCKETT NOTES - Google Docs

Stuff worth READING.   Enjoy.

Tuesday, January 06, 2015

Billy Wayne Hopkins 1941 - 2014

Billy Wayne Hopkins, 73, of Chumuckla went to be with the Lord on December 29, 2014. Billy was a long time resident of Chumuckla and graduated from Chumuckla High School (class of ’59). He was a member of Pace Masonic Lodge #349 and was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. He also was a long time brick and tile mason and was a member of Pace Assembly of God Church. He was preceded in death by his father, Aaron Hopkins and two brothers. Survivors include: his wife of 54 years and high school sweetheart, Shirley Hopkins; one son, Ricky (Lesa) Hopkins; one daughter, Amanda (Stephen) Leavins; mother, Alberta Hopkins; five grandchildren, Alicia (Tyler) Mitchell, Jessica Bullard, Brian (Danyelle) Banter, Amber Leavins, and Katelyn Leavins; five great grandchildren; one brother, Troy (Virginia) Hopkins; three sisters, Hazel (Burdell) Moon, Helen (Wendell) Enfinger, and Brenda (Clifford) McGraw. Trahan Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until funeral service begins at 12 noon on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Pace Assembly of God Church with Pastor Joey Rogers and Rev. Glyn Lowery. Billy was a loving husband, wonderful father, devoted grandfather, loving son, loyal brother, and a friend to everyone he met.

Friday, January 02, 2015

Margaret Julia EagertonAlbritton1927-2014

Margaret Julia EagertonAlbritton1927-2014Margaret Julia Eagerton Albritton, age 87, passed away peacefully at Autumn Care in Wilmington, North Carolina December 27, 2014.Born in Montgomery Alabama, she was the daughter of Millard and Clara Eagerton. She moved with her family at an early age to the rural Northwest Florida community of Chumuckla. She was a graduate of Chumuckla High School, whereupon she pursued training and employment as a Cosmetologist. She soon met and married Percy Albritton, a career United States Marine. They had three sons, and the Marine Corps presented many opportunities as well as the usual challenges connected with service life. As a Marine, her husband served many deployments, often away from home over a year at a time. She met these challenges with the "steel magnolia" will of her Southern heritage. When her sons were of school age she reentered the work force with a position in the U.S. Government Civil Service, eventually earning retirement, despite breaks in service due to her husband's military commitments.Gifted with a colorful and artistic personality, and all the charms of a "Southern Belle", she was a force in motion. Virtually all whom she encountered were moved by her spirited presence. She is lovingly remembered for her dedication and love for her extended family. She was also, an accomplished and extraordinary cook, specializing in Southern cuisine. The gift of her cooking will live on in the legacy of recipes she passed down.In addition to her former husband, Ms. Albritton is survived by her children, Mark Albritton and his wife Linda of Savannah, GA, Michael Albritton and his wife Jana of Wilmington, NC; grandchildren Meredith Albritton, and Mallory Albritton of Wilmington NC; Kristen Albritton, and Lauren Albritton of Savannah GA, and was greatly loved by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son Jerald (Jay) Albritton in 1994.A Memorial service will be held at Faith Chapel South, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, Florida 32505 at 2 P.M. on January 3, 2014 with a reception to immediately follow at Olive Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests you consider a donation in Mom's name. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH, 100 Beverly Pkwy, is entrusted with arrangments. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.comExpress your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/pensacolanewsjournal/obituary.aspx?n=margaret-albritton&pid=173678067&fhid=5665#sthash.IVdfZLMP.dpuf